The local theater company Theatre in the X will stage the world premiere of The Beast of Nubia on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. in the center of Malcolm X. Park (51st and Pine). Performances will follow on the next two Sundays, Aug. 11 and 18, also at 5 p.m.

Here’s how they describe The Beast of Nubia, which was written by Jonathan Bethea:

“In the deserts of ancient Nubia there is a magical kingdom guarded by a monstrous beast. When a merchant wrongs the beast his eldest daughter agrees to sacrifice herself in his place. What follows is a grand adventure filled with romance and excitement, as two very different people learn to cope with one another.” 

“We are excited to bring a fairytale to the community featuring performers who look like them,” said Executive Director, LaNeshe Miller-White. “We knew we needed to follow up last year’s amazing production of The Wiz with something just as magical. This piece is it.”

The Beast of Nubia is directed by Steve Wright and features original, Africa-inspired music composed by Dwayne Allistair Thomas and live drumming by percussionist Karen Smith. Mo’Tiff Designs is creating original costume pieces influenced by the African Diaspora.

The full cast includes Niya Colbert, Carlo Campbell, Walter DeShields, Richard Bradford, Tasha Holmes, Janae Rockemore, Eric Carter, Ruth Oliver, Mark Christie, Charvez Grant, Kim Robinson, and Joan Coates.

In lieu of ticket purchases the company encourages audience members who are able to donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/theatre-in-the-x-presents-the-beast-of-nubia.

Theatre in the X provides the people of West Philadelphia and the African American community at large the opportunity to see professional quality theater in their own neighborhood for no cost. By removing the barriers of location and price the audience is able to experience theater that they possibly would not be able to access otherwise. The company also provides opportunities to playwrights, actors, directors, stage managers, DJs, sound engineers and vendors of color.

All performances are BYOC – bring your own chair.